Human Resources 101

H & H Stucco & Siding Ltd. to pay largest penalty ever in Alberta for workplace incident

Edmonton… H & H Stucco & Siding Ltd. has received the highest penalty ever imposed in Alberta for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company was sentenced to pay a combined total of $345,000 following the fatality of one of its workers.

H & H Stucco & Siding Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker and was fined $300,000 plus a $45,000 victim fine surcharge.

The charges resulted from a provincial government investigation into a March 27, 2003 incident in Edmonton, where a worker was fatally injured when he fell from a fourth floor balcony at a condominium construction site.

Medican Developments Inc., as the owner and prime contractor of the worksite, was charged with failing to ensure that there was compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company will appear in court on December 15.

Employers are responsible to ensure the proper procedures are in place so employees are working in a safe environment. To improve workplace safety, the Government of Alberta increased penalties for violations, and continues to promote workplace safety awareness.

For more information on workplace health and safety in Alberta call 1-866-415-8690 toll-free (in Edmonton and area, 415-8690) or visit www.worksafely.org.

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